Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Mark 9:38 (BSB)
John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”” — Mark 9:38
Imagine you're hanging out with a group of friends, and one of them sees someone helping others in a big way—like casting out bad vibes (or demons) that are making people feel stuck. But instead of cheering them on, they get all protective and say, 'Hey, stop! You're not part of our crew!' That's what John is saying here. It's a moment filled with a mix of confusion and a bit of fear. They see someone doing good but don't recognize them as part of their little group. It raises an important question: Does helping others only count if you're part of the same team? It's a moment that challenges boundaries and definitions of belonging, and it’s so relatable because we often see things that way too.
This book, Mark, was written by a guy named Mark, who was a close associate of the Apostle Peter. He wanted to share the story of Jesus in a way that was clear and engaging for everyone, especially those who weren't familiar with the Jewish culture. By including this moment, Mark highlights a common struggle we all face—trying to define who’s in and who’s out. Mark’s perspective is relatable, showing how even the closest followers of Jesus had to learn about the larger picture of love and acceptance.
When Mark wrote this, the world was buzzing with the early spread of Jesus' teachings. This was a time when the Jewish people were grappling with their identity, and the early followers of Jesus were trying to understand their place in this new movement. The tension between tradition and new ideas was palpable. Society was divided on many fronts, and here comes Jesus, shaking things up by welcoming everyone, not just the insiders. This historical backdrop helps us see how shocking and revolutionary John's reaction was, and why it still resonates with us today.
This verse matters for you today because it speaks to the heart of inclusion and acceptance. It challenges you to think about your own circles—do you sometimes feel like you have to protect your space, or that only certain people can do good? It’s a reminder that helping others doesn’t need a badge or a specific title. You can recognize goodness and acts of kindness anywhere, regardless of who’s doing them. It pushes you to embrace a broader view of community and support, which is so vital in today’s world where division often seems easier than connection.
This week, take a moment to notice acts of kindness around you, even if they come from unexpected people. Instead of thinking, 'They’re not part of my group,' celebrate their efforts! Maybe you could share their story or even reach out and thank them for what they’re doing. It could be as simple as complimenting someone who helped you or acknowledging someone who is making a positive impact in your community, even if they’re not in your immediate circle. Open your eyes to the good being done all around you!
This moment is set against a backdrop of Jesus teaching his disciples about humility and service. Just before this, they were arguing about who was the greatest among them—typical human stuff, right? And in the following verses, Jesus flips the narrative on its head, showing that true greatness comes from serving others, not from being the top dog. This encounter with John reveals the tension between the disciples' desire to protect their identity and Jesus' radical message of inclusion and love. It’s a pivotal moment that pushes the chapter forward, challenging the disciples to rethink what it means to belong and serve.
What does this moment between John and Jesus challenge you to think about when it comes to your own views on community and who gets to help others?
Keep reading the full Mark 9:38 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free